glossary

BLM – Biotic Ligand Modelpredictive tool that can account for variation in metal toxicity and calculates a site-specific no-effect concntration using information on the local water condsitions (e.g., calcium and dissolved organic carbon concentrations, pH)

DOC – Dissolved Organic Carbonoperationally defined fraction of organic molecules within aquatic systems (remaining fraction in water after passing through a, e.g., 0.45 micrometer-filter); mainly resulting from decomposition of organic matter such as dead plants or aquatic organisms; metal ions form complexes with DOC which enhances their solubility but also reduces their metal bioavailability

EQS – Environmental Quality Standardconcentration of a particular pollutant or group of pollutants in water, sediment or biota which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment.

IUPAC – International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
scientific, international, non-governmental and objective body which serves to advance the worldwide aspects of the chemical sciences and to contribute to the application of chemistry in the service of Humankind

PNEC – Predicted No Effect Concentration
from toxicity tests determined concentration of a chemical (e.g. metal) at which no adverse effects towards organisms are expected

WFD – Water Framework Directive
The Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy is a European Union directive and commits European Union member states to achieve good qualitative and quantitative status of their water bodies